Just Push it

3 min read

When I was starting out, I found that my biggest mistake is that I would never finish things.

I would always want them to be great without any problems before I would share them. This would result in never finishing what I started.

I learned that was a mistake.

Embracing Imperfection

It's a common pitfall, especially among those of us with perfectionist tendencies. We have this innate desire for everything we create to be flawless from the get-go. We want our projects, our ideas, and our work to shine brilliantly without a single blemish. But here's the hard truth: chasing perfection often leads to unfinished endeavors.

Perfectionism can be paralyzing. It can cause us to overthink, overanalyze, and overwork ourselves into exhaustion. We delay sharing our creations with the world because we're terrified of criticism, mistakes, or imperfections. This fear of not being good enough becomes the biggest obstacle to completing what we start.

The Power of "Done"

I've learned that there is immense power in the word "done." Completing a project, even if it's not perfect, is a monumental achievement. It's a declaration that you're not afraid to embrace imperfection, take risks, and learn from your mistakes. Done is better than perfect because done means progress, growth, and evolution.

Think about it: many of the world's greatest achievements were not born perfect. They evolved and improved over time. Consider your favorite book, your most-loved song, or your treasured piece of art. They all started as drafts, rough sketches, or imperfect melodies. But through a process of trial, error, and refinement, they transformed into something remarkable.

The Paralysis of Perfection

Perfectionism can be a paralyzing force. It keeps us trapped in a cycle of perpetual planning and self-doubt. We endlessly tweak and edit, hoping that someday our work will meet our impossibly high standards. This constant quest for perfection can rob us of the joy of creating and sharing with the world.

Embrace the Iterative Process

The key to overcoming the perfectionist trap is to embrace the iterative process. Understand that your first attempt is rarely your best, and that's perfectly fine. Use each iteration as an opportunity to learn, grow, and refine your work. Seek feedback and criticism, not as personal attacks, but as valuable insights to make your next version even better.

The Push to Completion

So, how do you break free from the never-ending quest for perfection and push through to completion?

Set Clear Goals: Define what "done" means for your project. Having clear, achievable goals will help you measure progress and avoid the perfectionist's trap.
Prioritize Completion: Shift your focus from perfection to completion. Recognize that finished work can always be improved upon, but unfinished work serves no one.
Embrace Imperfection: Understand that imperfections are part of the creative process. They are opportunities for growth and learning.
Share Your Work: Don't be afraid to share your creations with others, even if they're not perfect. Feedback and constructive criticism can be invaluable in refining your work.
Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate each step of your journey. Completing a project, no matter how small, is a significant achievement worth acknowledging.

In Conclusion

Remember, it's better to have a collection of completed, imperfect projects than a stack of unrealized dreams. Embrace the imperfections, learn from them, and keep pushing forward. Don't let the pursuit of perfection hold you back from achieving your goals and sharing your unique gifts with the world.

So, go ahead, just push it. Push through the doubts, the fear, and the desire for perfection. Push towards completion and watch as your creativity and productivity soar to new heights.